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Definition
Universal
design is a worldwide
movement based on the
concept that all
products, environments
and communications
should be designed to
consider the needs of
the widest array of
users. It is also known
by other names: design
for all, inclusive
design, lifespan design
or human-centered
design. Universal design
is a way of thinking
about design that is
based on the following
premises:
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Varying ability is not a special condition of the few but a common characteristic of being human, and we change physically and intellectually throughout our lives.
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If a design works well for people with disabilities, it works better for everyone.
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At any point in our lives, personal self-esteem, identity, and well-being are deeply affected by our ability to function in our physical surroundings with a sense of comfort, independence and control.
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Usability and aesthetics are mutually compatible.
Universal design asks
from the outset how to
make the design work
beautifully and
seamlessly for as many
people as possible. It
seeks to consider the
breadth of human
diversity across the
lifespan to create
design solutions that
work for all users. © Adaptive
Environments Center.
For more on Universal
Design, see “What is
Universal Design?” by
Polly Welch, Associate
Professor, University of
Oregon, Eugene. This
document is the first
chapter in the book,
Strategies for Teaching
Universal Design, Welch,
P. Editor, (Adaptive
Environments Center and
MIG Communications,
1995). It discusses what
Universal design is and
is not and why the term
was needed at all.
http://www.udeducation.org/resources/readings/welch_design.asp
The
Principles of Universal
Design
These
seven principles may be
applied to evaluate
existing designs, guide
the design process, and
educate both designers
and consumers about the
characteristics of more
usable products and
environments.
PRINCIPLE ONE:
Equitable Use
The design is useful and
marketable to people
with diverse abilities.
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Guidelines:
1a. Provide the same means of use for all users: identical whenever possible; equivalent when not.
1b. Avoid segregating or stigmatizing any users.
1c. Provisions for privacy, security, and safety should be equally available to all users.
1d. Make the design appealing to all users.
PRINCIPLE TWO:
Flexibility in Use
The design accommodates
a wide range of
individual preferences
and abilities.
-
Guidelines:
2a. Provide choice in methods of use.
2b. Accommodate right- or left-handed access and use.
2c. Facilitate the user's accuracy and precision.
2d. Provide adaptability to the user's pace.
PRINCIPLE
THREE: Simple and
Intuitive Use
Use of the design is
easy to understand,
regardless of the user's
experience, knowledge,
language skills, or
current concentration
level.
-
Guidelines:
3a. Eliminate unnecessary complexity.
3b. Be consistent with user expectations and intuition.
3c. Accommodate a wide range of literacy and language skills.
3d. Arrange information consistent with its importance.
3e. Provide effective prompting and feedback during and after task completion.
PRINCIPLE
FOUR: Perceptible
Information
The design communicates
necessary information
effectively to the user,
regardless of ambient
conditions or the user's
sensory abilities.
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Guidelines:
4a. Use different modes (pictorial, verbal, tactile) for redundant presentation of essential information.
4b. Provide adequate contrast between essential information and its surroundings.
4c. Maximize "legibility" of essential information.
4d. Differentiate elements in ways that can be described (that is, make it easy to give instructions or directions).
4e. Provide compatibility with a variety of techniques or devices used by people with sensory limitations.
PRINCIPLE
FIVE: Tolerance for
Error
The design minimizes
hazards and the adverse
consequences of
accidental or unintended
actions.
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Guidelines:
5a. Arrange elements to minimize hazards and errors: most-used elements, most accessible; hazardous elements eliminated, isolated, or shielded.
5b. Provide warnings of hazards and errors.
5c. Provide fail-safe features.
5d. Discourage unconscious action in tasks that require vigilance.
PRINCIPLE SIX:
Low Physical Effort
The design can be used
efficiently and
comfortably and with a
minimum of fatigue.
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Guidelines:
6a. Allow user to maintain a neutral body position.
6b. Use reasonable operating forces.
6c. Minimize repetitive actions.
6d. Minimize sustained physical effort.
PRINCIPLE
SEVEN: Size and Space
for Approach and Use
Appropriate size and
space are provided for
approach, reach,
manipulation, and use
regardless of user's
body size, posture, or
mobility.
-
Guidelines:
7a. Provide a clear line of sight to important elements for any seated or standing user.
7b. Make reach to all components comfortable for any seated or standing user.
7c. Accommodate variations in hand and grip size.
7d. Provide adequate space for the use of assistive devices or personal assistance.
Please note that the
Principles of Universal
Design address only
universally usable
design, while the
practice of design
involves more than
consideration for
usability. Designers
must also incorporate
economic, engineering,
cultural, gender, and
environmental concerns
in their design
processes. These
Principles offer
designers guidance to
better integrate
features that meet the
needs of as many users
as possible.
"The Principles of
Universal Design were
conceived and developed
by The Center for
Universal Design at
North Carolina State
University. Use or
application of the
Principles in any form
by an individual or
organization is separate
and distinct from the
Principles and does not
constitute or imply
acceptance or
endorsement by The
Center for Universal
Design of the use or
application."
ϟ
"The Center for
Universal Design at
North Carolina State
University", 1997
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8.Fev.2015
publicado
por
MJA
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